Health Minister approves regulations on limits of radioactive isotope concentrations in food, drinking water, and animal feed
Approval of regulations setting limits for radioactive isotopes in food and water.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Kuwait City, 28 September (KUNA) – Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued a ministerial decision today, Monday, approving a regulation that sets maximum limits for the concentration of radioactive isotopes in food, drinking water, and animal feed, thereby strengthening oversight of these products and safeguarding consumer health.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Health said the regulation prohibits the circulation of food items in which the concentrations of radioactive isotopes exceed the limits specified according to the type of isotope and the food category. It clarified that the concentrations are measured in becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg) and explained how to calculate radioactive activity when more than one isotope from the same group is present. The regulation excludes dried or concentrated foods from these limits, as they are subject to an exceptional intervention level of 3.0 millisieverts per year.
Regarding drinking water, the decision stipulates maximum limits for radioactive isotope activity of 0.5 becquerels per liter for alpha-emitting isotopes and 1 becquerel per liter for beta-emitting isotopes, with the radioactive isotope K-40 exempted from the beta-emitting isotope limits. It also set a maximum total radioactive activity for non-natural isotopes in animal feed at 300 becquerels per kilogram.
The ministry noted that if the prescribed limits in food products are exceeded, the Radiation Protection Administration will notify the competent authorities to take the necessary measures, which include inspecting locally produced or domestically circulated foods and taking appropriate action regarding their circulation.
With regard to imported foods, the measures are carried out in coordination with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition or the General Customs Administration to implement appropriate actions in accordance with established procedures. (End) M.N.M. / N.W.F.
